Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy

Offshore Industry: Innovation

David Duguid: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what discussions his Department has had with representatives of the oil and gas sector on the inclusion of developing future technology in the oil and gas sector deal.

Claire Perry: Several sectors, including our vital offshore oil and gas industry, have expressed interest in a Sector Deal and we are considering seriously these credible industry-led proposals. We intend to progress with further Deals that best meet the expectations set out in the White Paper in due course. I have met representatives of the offshore sector including Trevor Garlick, the Sector Deal Champion, on multiple occasions in both London and Aberdeen to discuss their proposal for a Sector Deal. These were wide-ranging discussions covering all aspects of the proposal including ideas for the development of transformational technology. My officials also have regular and ongoing contact with the industry’s sector deal team on this subject. Technology is considered critical to the future of the North Sea oil and gas industry which is why this Government committed to support the establishment of the new Oil and Gas Technology Centre in Aberdeen as part of the City Region Deal.

Offshore Industry

Andrew Bowie: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what progress has been made on the oil and gas sector deal.

Claire Perry: Over the last few years, this Government has provided an unprecedented level of support for our vital offshore oil and gas industry that supports more than 300,000 jobs across the UK. Several sectors, including the oil and gas sector have expressed an interest in a sector deal and we are considering seriously these credible industry-led proposals. We intend to take forward some further deals that best meet expectations set out in the White Paper in due course.

Offshore Industry: Continental Shelf

Ian Mearns: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what assessment he has made of the effect of the 21st Century Exploration Roadmap Palaeozoic Project on the exploitation of viable oil and gas deposits under the UK Continental Shelf; and if he will make a statement.

Claire Perry: The information which has emerged from the 21st Century Exploration Roadmap Palaeozoic Project has helped incentivise further interest in UK offshore areas and complemented existing knowledge and understanding by making additional geological data available to the industry . 21st Century Roadmap projects, of which the Palaeozoic Project is one, have contributed data and interpretations that have been used by the industry to inform licence applications in the Oil and Gas Authority’s 29th Frontier Licence round. It is expected that the findings from these projects will again prove impactful in the recently launched 31st Frontier Licence round.

Alternative Fuels: Heating

Dr Dan Poulter: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, with reference to the Public Accounts Committee report on renewable heat incentive in Great Britain published on 16 May 2018, what steps his Department is taking to identify low cost heat alternatives for off-grid homes.

Claire Perry: Decarbonising heat in buildings, making buildings more energy efficient, and identifying cost-effective fossil fuel alternatives for off-grid homes, is a priority for this Government. The Clean Growth Grand Challenge of our modern Industrial Strategy aims to maximise the advantages from the global shift to clean growth for UK industry. In May, the Prime Minister announced the first mission of the Grand Challenge, to halve the energy used in new buildings by 2030, and reduce the costs of energy efficiency measures in existing buildings. This complements the Clean Growth Strategy, where we have committed to phasing out high carbon heating, by 2030, starting with new build. Off-grid homes are key to making these policies a success. The Public Accounts Committee report on the Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) in Great Britain identified that the higher upfront costs of low carbon technologies could be a barrier to participating in the RHI scheme. In response, the Department introduced new regulations, which came into force on 27 June 2018, allowing householders to assign their right to RHI payments to a third party that has paid for all, or part, of their renewable heating system. Beyond the RHI, which has funding agreed out to 2021, the Department intends to design and implement a clear framework through to the 2030s for domestic and non-domestic buildings off the gas grid. From 19 March to 11 June 2018 we held a public Call for Evidence as a first step in developing this policy framework. The Department is now analysing the evidence received in response to this document and aims to publish a response to the Call for Evidence later in 2018.

Foreign and Commonwealth Office

Iran: Politics and Government

Bob Blackman: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, whether he has received representations on the arrest of an Iranian diplomat in Germany on charges related to a foiled plot against the Iran Freedom – The Alternative gathering on 30 June 2018 in Paris; and if he will make a statement.

Alistair Burt: We have not received specific representations from any other governments on the arrest of an Iranian diplomat in Germany but we are concerned by reports that an Iranian diplomat may have been involved with a plot against a conference in Paris.

Iran: Politics and Government

Bob Blackman: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what assessment he has made of the potential perpetrators of the plot against the Iran Freedom – The Alternative gathering on 30 June 2018 in Paris.

Alistair Burt: We are concerned by reports that an Iranian diplomat may have been involved with a plot against a conference in Paris, and understand that investigations are ongoing in a number of European countries. We are not aware at this stage of a link to the UK.

Burma: International Criminal Court

Deidre Brock: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, whether it is the Government's policy to support the drafting of a resolution at the UN Security Council to refer the situation in Northern Rakhine State, Myanmar, to the International Criminal Court so that allegations of atrocities can be impartially investigated.

Mark Field: We continue to work in the UN Security Council to ensure it remains strongly focused on the Rohingya crisis, including discussing accountability. While we keep this under constant review, we are not pursuing a referral to the ICC at this time for two reasons. First, we know the Council is divided on the issue of an ICC referral. A vetoed resolution now would do nothing to further the cause of accountability. Second, on 31 May the Burmese Government announced its own Commission of Inquiry to investigate human rights violations in northern Rakhine. The UK has welcomed the Commission while making clear that it needs to be credible, transparent and impartial. The ICC only takes up cases if referred when national authorities prove unable or unwilling to prosecute.

Conflict, Stability and Security Fund: Syria

Jon Trickett: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, which organisations received a portion of the £64 million that was spent in Syria through the Conflict Stability and Security Fund.

Alistair Burt: The following organisations received a portion of the £64 million spent in Syria through the Conflict Stablity and Security Fund (CSSF) in 2016/17:Through the Foreign and Commonwealth Office: Adam Smith International, Mayday Rescue, International Relief and Development, Independent Diplomats, Ark Group DMCC, International Alert, Peaceful Change Initiative, Commission for Justice and Accountability, Pechter Polls, Integrity Research and Consultancy Ltd, Synergy for Justice Ltd, The Shaikh Group, Public International Law and Policy Group, UN Mine Action Service, Impact Initiatives, Royal United Services Institute for Defence and Security Studies. Through the Department for International Development: ACTED, Adam Smith International, Blumont, Chemonics, International Center for Advanced Mediterranean Agronomic Studies.This is not a complete list of suppliers as we do not publish details of our projects in Syria when this information could pose a risk to our partners.The CSSF applies rigorous evaluation criteria when awarding contracts to suppliers to ensure best value for money, expertise and capability to deliver.

Cambodia: Human Rights

Stephanie Peacock: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, whether he has made an assessment of the validity of  reports of (a) human rights violations, (b) increased restraints on media and trade unions and (c) imprisonment of human rights campaigners by the state of Cambodia.

Mark Field: We are deeply concerned about steps taken by the Cambodian authorities and Supreme Court which undermine freedom of expression, assembly and prospects for free and fair elections. We have repeatedly raised our concerns at the dissolution of Cambodia’ s main opposition party, the Cambodian National Rescue Party (CNRP), the arrest of opposition leader Kem Sokha and the use of the Cambodian judiciary to impede human rights campaigners. On 18 May, the Permanent Under-Secretary at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office underlined our concerns to the Cambodian Foreign Minister during a visit to Cambodia. He also met with leading human rights campaigners and civil society stakeholders. At the UN Human Rights Council in June, the UK expressed dismay at the continued democratic deterioration in Cambodia.

Israel: Gaza

Richard Burden: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what steps is he taking to obtain a full response from the Government of Israel that the investigation into that country’s use of force against demonstrators in Gaza includes an independent element; and what steps he is taking to promote accountability for potential violations of international law should a suitable independent element not be found.

Alistair Burt: ​The Prime Minster stressed the need for Israel to carry out a transparent, independent inquiry into recent protests in Gaza when she met Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu in London on 6 June. We have called for this investigation to include international members.

Antarctic: Marine Protected Areas

Richard Burden: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, whether his Department has made an assessment of the potential merits of the creation of the Antarctic Ocean Sanctuary for tackling (a) over-fishing, (b) plastic pollution and (c) climate change.

Sir Alan Duncan: The UK is a global leader on Antarctic marine protection issues, including within the Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR). At its next meeting in October, CCAMLR will consider UK co-sponsored proposals for establishing Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) in the East Antarctic and Weddell Sea. CCAMLR ensures that fish stocks in the Southern Ocean are sustainably managed, as well as having committed to the development of a network of MPAs. There is currently no commercial fishing activity in the Weddell Sea; only small-scale, fully monitored, research fishing activities. Ocean plastic pollution is a global problem which the UK Government is actively working to reduce. Plastic pollution is monitored at a number of stations around Antarctica and through dedicated surveys. Plastic pollution is mainly arriving in Antarctica from outside of the region. Nevertheless, in addition to strict marine pollution regulations around Antarctica, UK flagged fishing vessels operating within the CCAMLR Convention Area have implemented measures to reduce or eliminate plastic microbeads from waste water. While MPAs will not tackle global climate change, one of the objectives for the Weddell Sea MPA proposal is to establish scientific reference areas to monitor the effects of climate change and to study, in particular, representative, rare, unique and/or endemic examples of marine ecosystems, as well as biodiversity and habitats.

Occupied Territories: Foreign Nationals

Alex Sobel: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what information he holds on recent reports of refusal by Israel to grant residency permits and visas to foreign nationals who live in the Occupied Palestinian Territories.

Alistair Burt: We do not hold information on this issue.

Occupied Territories: Tourism

Alex Sobel: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what recent discussions he has had with his Israeli counterpart on access to the Occupied Palestinian Territories for international visitors.

Alistair Burt: ​We have not had any discussions with the Israeli authorities on this issue, however we remain concerned about Israeli restrictions on freedom of movement and access into and out of the Occupied Palestinian Territories, and we continue to raise these wider concerns with the Israeli authorities. The Foreign and Commonwealth Office, however, advises against all travel to Gaza. Permission to access Gaza is granted by either the Israeli or Egyptian authorities. Entry to, and exit from, Gaza can be very difficult.

Occupied Territories: Tourism

Alex Sobel: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, if he will seek assurances from Israeli immigration officials that access to the Occupied Palestinian Territories for international visitors will remain unhindered.

Alistair Burt: We remain concerned about Israeli restrictions on freedom of movement and access into and out of the Occupied Palestinian Territories. We continue to raise these wider concerns with the Israeli authorities. The Foreign and Commonwealth Office, however, advises against all travel to Gaza. Entry to, and exit from, Gaza can be very difficult.

Department for Education

Pre-school Education

Lucy Powell: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what proportion of children (a) with special education needs, (b) in care and (c) on a child protection plan attended (i) maintained nursery schools, (ii) nursery classes and (iii) private, voluntary and independent early years provision in each of the last four years.

Nadhim Zahawi: The department holds some of the requested information. However, figures for the number of children in care or for the number of children on a child protection plan by type of early years provision are not available for children below compulsory school age.The number and proportion of children with special education needs attending maintained nursery schools, nursery classes and private, voluntary and independent providers in each of the last three years are shown in the attached table. Data for 2015 is not readily available and could only be obtained at disproportionate cost.More general information on children in care or on a child protection plan, as well as provision for children under five is available in the associated statistical releases below.‘Children looked after in England including adoption: 2016 to 2017’, which was published on 27 September 2017. This can be viewed here: https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/children-looked-after-in-england-including-adoption-2016-to-2017.‘Characteristics of children in need: 2016 to 2017’, which was published on 2 November 2017. This can be viewed here: https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/characteristics-of-children-in-need-2016-to-2017.‘Education provision: children under 5 years of age, January 2018’, which was published on 28 June 2018. This can be viewed here: https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/education-provision-children-under-5-years-of-age-january-2018.



Table_for_PQ_166188_showing_early_years_provision
(Excel SpreadSheet, 37 KB)

Pupil Exclusions: Special Educational Needs

James Frith: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what proportion of children excluded for 2017-18 were children with special educational needs or disabilities; and what proportion of such children were excluded by their schools for the reason given as Other.

Nadhim Zahawi: The attached tables give the percentage of permanent and fixed period exclusions for pupils with and without special educational needs (SEN), and the percentage of exclusions of pupils with SEN that were recorded with a reason of 'Other'. The figures cover academic year 2016/17, figures for 2017/18 are not yet available.



166506_permanent_and_fixed_period_exclusions
(Excel SpreadSheet, 63.5 KB)

Ministry of Justice

Prisons: Repairs and Maintenance

Richard Burgon: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, how many maintenance requests in total have been outstanding throughout the prison estate on 1 January in each year since 2010.

Richard Burgon: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, how many total maintenance requests have been outstanding in each prison on 1 January in each year since 2010.

Edward Argar: The attched table sets out the number of outstanding reactive and planned maintenance tasks, as recorded in the HMPPS facilities management database, at each prison in England and Wales as well as the total number on 1 January in each year from 2010 until 2017. For 2018 I refer the Hon Member to the answer I gave to the Rt Hon Member for Delyn in response to his Question 157660. This information is subject to the inaccuracies inherent in any large-scale recording system. In particular, these figures are likely to over-estimate the number of open maintenance tasks as a result of delays in closing tasks down on the system after work is complete or an action is superseded by a subsequent task. We are working with all our providers to strengthen delivery performance, including ensuring that tasks are signed off speedily once completed.



Table
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Berwyn Prison: Construction

Richard Burgon: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what lessons his Department has learned from the construction of HMP Berwyn for future prison construction.

Edward Argar: The current Prison Estate Transformation Programme prison projects are based on a new Category C prison design that is focussed on rehabilitation. The HMP Berwyn project, which included a lessons learned process throughout all stages of delivery, has provided the team with a template on which to build the new category C prison design. Lessons learned were recorded independently by the Operations team and the Design and Construction (Client and Contractor partnership) team with joint workshops held at key milestones. Academic input was also involved. The Design and Construction team used an iterative process to record findings throughout the project lifecycle. The lesson learned log identifies learnings against key topics, as follows:Design approach - provision and location of staff facilities; agile/flexible use of space; storage space; resilience of building types; digital technology.Stakeholder input - identifying key challenges from specific third party service providers; achieving a consistent approach to stakeholder requirements; establishing the need for early stakeholder input to the design.Detailed design and technical standards - wall finishes; roof pitch and overhang; use of window grilles; cell ventilation; manhole designs; electrical installation; pre cast concrete and standardised construction.The detail from each of the above has been fed into the planning and development of the design process for the new prisons.

Prisons: Water

Dr Matthew Offord: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what the timetable is for a forensic water investigation in prison service properties as set out in the Crown Commercial Service’s agreement.

Edward Argar: Within the public-sector prison estate, the management of water distribution installations is the responsibility of the respective facilities management providers as part of their existing agreements to provide a range of maintenance services. Within the private-sector prison estate, the management of the water distribution installations is the responsibility of the respective prison operator as part of their existing agreements to operate their prisons. There is currently no plan to procure these services separately from existing agreements through any Crown Commercial Service framework.

Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government

Royal Docks: Regeneration

Mr Virendra Sharma: To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, when he last met the Mayor of London to discuss the regeneration of the Royal Docks.

Jake Berry: The Secretary of State nor I have yet had a specific discussion with the Mayor regarding the Royal Docks, although Ministers would be happy to discuss this as part of any future bilateral. My officials continue to work closely with the London Economic Action Partnership, the Greater London Authority and local partners to continue to deliver on the Royal Docks.

Silvertown Quays: Regeneration

Mr Virendra Sharma: To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, if he will convene a meeting with the (a) Mayor of London, (b) Mayor of Newham and (c) local hon Members to discuss the regeneration of Silvertown Quays.

Kit Malthouse: I as well as the Minister for London, would be happy to discuss the regeneration of Silvertown Quays. I have asked officials to liaise with their counterparts in the Greater London Authority and the Local Economic Action Partnership to understand these plans in the first instance.

Ministry of Defence

Armed Forces

Nia Griffith: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what plans his Department has to publish a land warfare strategy.

Stuart Andrew: We are committed to investing over £17 billion in the Land environment to provide the Army with a modernised warfighting division that includes the transformational STRIKE capability. This investment will support and provide opportunities for the UK's Land and defence sector. To date only Shipbuilding and Combat Air have been selected for a specific sector strategy, other sectors (such as Land) are kept under review. Further sector specific approaches will need to be informed by thorough analysis of the military capability, prosperity, internaitonal, industrial and prosperity benefits and will only be applicable in a very small number of cases.

Spain: Submarines

Mr Virendra Sharma: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to the future launch of the S-80-class submarine by the Spanish Navy, what steps he is taking to ensure that Spain respects the national territorial waters around Gibraltar.

Stuart Andrew: We are confident of UK sovereignty over the whole of Gibraltar, including British Gibraltar Territorial Waters. The Royal Navy continues to challenge all incursions by State vessels into British Gibraltar Territorial Waters, and the Foreign and Commonwealth Office support this by making formal diplomatic protests to the relevant authorities.

Military Decorations

Nia Griffith: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to his Department's announcement of 18 July 2018 on the new medal to recognise the fight against Daesh, if he publish the countries where UK personnel in receipt of the medal (a) are based and (b) have been based.

Stuart Andrew: The initial awards of the Iraq and Syria Operational Service Medal were to personnel who were based in either Iraq or Cyprus. These personnel will have subsequently deployed on further operations, deployed again on Operation SHADER, or returned to their home base. Further eligible locations for award of the medal are currently under consideration.

Defence Equipment

Mr Kevan Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, for what reasons expenditure on equipment support is falling when major new equipment is being brought into service.

Stuart Andrew: The Government remains committed to real terms growth of the Equipment Plan by 1% each year and to meeting the NATO guideline to spend 20% of its defence expenditure on major equipment, and associated research and development. We plan to spend £179 billion over the 10 years to 2027 to deliver the cutting edge ships, aircraft, and armoured vehicles our military need now and in the future. This includes increasing spending on Equipment Support from £8.3 billion in 2017-18 to almost £10 billion in 2026-27.

Veterans: Suicide

Danielle Rowley: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many Scottish armed forces veterans have died as a result of suicide in the last 12 months.

Danielle Rowley: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether he has any plans to publish periodic statistics on the rates of suicide for (a) serving and (b) former serving armed forces personnel.

Mr Tobias Ellwood: The Ministry of Defence (MOD) does not hold information about the number of Scottish veterans who have died as a result of suicide.The MOD takes very seriously the welfare of Armed Forces personnel and veterans. Suicide among members of the Armed Forces remains extremely rare and is generally lower than comparative rates in the civilian population. MOD statistics on the rates of suicide amongst Serving personnel are published annually and the rates for the period 1 January 1984 to 31 December 2017 can be found at the following address:https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/uk-armed-forces-suicide-and-open-verdict-deaths-2017.The NHS in England and the Devolved Administrations is responsible for the provision of healthcare, including mental healthcare, for veterans. Veterans in England, Scotland and Wales receive priority access to NHS secondary care for Service related conditions, subject to the clinical need of all patients.

Armed Forces

Mr Kevan Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what steps is he taking to fill gaps in the 102 specialist armed forces pinch point trades where there are shortfalls in skilled personnel.

Stuart Andrew: Armed Forces Operational Pinch Points are closely monitored and managed by the Services and the Defence Board. A range of long and short-term measures, at both Single Service and Tri-Service level, are being taken to resolve current shortfalls and mitigate their impact, including using financial recruitment and retention incentives and targeted extensions of Service.The close monitoring and management of Operational Pinch Points enables the Department to ensure that these Pinch Points do not impact on the ability of the UK Armed Forces to meet their operational commitments.

Armed Forces: Tax Allowances

Kirstene Hair: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what progress he has made on introducing measures to provide tax relief for armed forces personnel stationed in Scotland who are subject to that administration's tax rates.

Mr Tobias Ellwood: My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Defence announced on 19 July that financial mitigation payments will be made to those Service personnel negatively impacted for tax year 2018-19 by Scottish income tax being higher than the rest of the UK. The payments will be made to up to 8,000 personnel and will cost in the region of £4 million. Further details are available in the Written Ministerial Statement laid in the House on 19 July 2018.



Service Personnel
(Word Document, 26.87 KB)

Type 31 Frigates

Mr Kevan Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether planned Royal Navy Type 31 frigates will be able to operate in the extreme climate conditions found in northern waters and the arctic region.

Stuart Andrew: The Royal Navy's Type 31e frigates will be capable of unrestricted global deployment, experiencing a wide range of sea and climatic conditions, and will operate effectively in various regions, including northern waters and the South Atlantic all year round. However ships must comply with the International Maritime Organization Polar Code, which sets out regulations for shipping in the Polar regions, principally relating to ice navigation and ship design.

HMY Iolaire

Angus Brendan MacNeil: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, if his Department will agree to calls from representatives and organisations in the Western Isles that the wreck of HMY Iolaire be designated a protected place under the Protection of Military Remains Act 1986.

Stuart Andrew: The Royal Navy is in the process of identifying potential vessels to be designated under the Protection of Military Remains Act 1986, and the status of HMY IOLAIRE is being reviewed as part of this process. We expect a decision to be made at the end of this year.

Armed Forces: Mental Health Services

Mr Stephen Hepburn: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what steps he is taking to improve mental health support for (a) veterans and (b) serving Military personnel in North East England.

Mr Tobias Ellwood: I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave him on 13 March 2018, to Question 130845.https://www.parliament.uk/business/publications/written-questions-answers-statements/written-question/Commons/ 2018-03-05/130845/



Armed Forces: Mental Health Services
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Department for Work and Pensions

Universal Credit: Carers

Ruth George: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what guidance his Department provides on deciding whether a full-time carer should be expected to look for work despite their caring responsibilities or be placed in the no-conditionality group under regulation 89 (b) of the universal credit regulations.

Alok Sharma: Operational guidance is supplied to MPs and deposited in the House of Commons Library. It outlines that claimants who provide regular and substantial care for at least 35 hours per week for a severely disabled person will be placed in the no work-related requirements regime. They will not be expected to look for or be available for work. Further guidance can be found in the Advice for Decision Making staff guide which is available online athttps://www.gov.uk/government/publications/advice-for-decision-making-staff-guide Chapter F6 deals with the Carer element and Chapter J3 relates to the work-related requirements.

Universal Credit

Nick Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what estimate her Department has made of the number of universal credit claimants who did not qualify for a payment as a result of receiving two wage payments during an assessment period in each of the last 12 months; and if she will make a statement.

Alok Sharma: The information requested is not readily available and to provide it would incur disproportionate cost.

Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs

Opencast Mining: County Durham

Caroline Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, with reference to A Green Future: Our 25 Year Plan to Improve the Environment, if he will make an assessment of the potential effect of the proposed Bradley open-cast coal mine in Pont Valley, County Durham on the Government’s commitment to restore the natural environment.

Dr Thérèse Coffey: UK Coal Mining Ltd applied to Durham County Council on 11 December 2007 for planning permission to open the proposed Bradley Coal Mine. This was granted at appeal on 3 June 2015. The Environment Agency (EA) was consulted as a statutory requirement during Durham County Council’s original consultation on the planning application. The EA considered the application and the accompanying Environmental Impact Assessment to consider any risks to controlled waters and how the site would be later restored, and requested further information on these aspects. Having reviewed this additional information, in June 2010 the EA concluded it was satisfied with the revised restoration plan and that there were no adverse effects in terms of hydrology or hydrogeology.

Pet Travel Scheme

Dr Matthew Offord: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what plans he has to reduce the number of animals that one person can transport to the UK under the Pet Travel Scheme after the UK leaves the EU.

Dr Thérèse Coffey: Defra is concerned that the number of pet animals that one person is currently allowed to transport into the UK has the potential to facilitate the illegal puppy trade.   Whilst we remain a member of the EU, we continue to be signed up to the requirements of the Pet Travel Scheme. After we leave we want pet owners to continue to be able to travel to and from the EU with the minimum of disruption whilst maintaining high biosecurity and welfare standards. The Government is negotiating our departure from the EU and Defra is looking at future arrangements, including those for pet travel. We are also putting in place contingency arrangements in the event of a no-deal outcome.   In 2017 the EU Commission consulted Member States on whether some Pet Travel Scheme rules should be amended. We stand by our response to that consultation in which we recommended lowering the maximum number of pets that are permitted to be moved in a single consignment. Looking to the future, leaving the EU will open up new opportunities for managing our pet travel arrangements, including ensuring there are robust controls on disease and animal welfare.

Water Supply

Jonathan Reynolds: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, with reference to the report, Preparing for a drier future, England’s water infrastructure needs, published by the National Infrastructure Commission in April 2018, and the recent hosepipe ban in the North West, what steps he is taking to ensure that water companies to reduce the volume of mains water lost to leaks.

Dr Thérèse Coffey: Total leakage has fallen by a third since 1994, following investment by water companies. However, there is still more to do. The 25 year environment plan sets out the Government’s ambitions for reducing demand on water resources. This includes support for Ofwat’s target for water companies to reduce leakage by 15% by 2025. The Government will respond to the National Infrastructure Commission’s report later this year.

Pets: Databases

Dr Matthew Offord: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, if he will make an assessment of the potential merits of the introduction of a database to log pets' (a) microchip numbers, (b) owners details and (c) date of entry into the UK.

Dr Thérèse Coffey: It is already a requirement for every dog in the UK to be identified by a microchip and its details to be recorded on a recognised database. This includes dogs imported from outside the UK. We do not consider it is necessary to introduce an additional database along the lines proposed.

Animals: Transport

Dr Matthew Offord: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, if will develop a tracking system to trace all the movements of animals transported (a) from EU member states to the UK and (b) from the UK to EU member states after the UK leaves the EU.

Dr Thérèse Coffey: Defra has an extensive programme of work focused on preparing for a range of scenarios to make sure we are ready for the point when the UK leaves the EU. This includes ensuring there is a system which will enable the tracking of all movements of animals transported from EU member states to the UK and from the UK to EU member states. The precise nature of our future relationship with the EU is still to be determined and is the subject of negotiation.

Disease Control: EU Countries

Dr Matthew Offord: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, whether it is his Department's policy to continue to share information with European countries in the event of a disease outbreak after the UK leaves the EU.

Dr Thérèse Coffey: Defra will continue to share disease outbreak information with the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE). This information is publicly available to all countries.

Horses: Transport

Dr Matthew Offord: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, whether the free movement provision on equines under the Tripartite Agreement with France and Ireland is planned to continue after the UK leaves the EU.

Dr Thérèse Coffey: The Government is very keen to see the spirit of our relationship with the EU, including that of the Tripartite Agreement, continue beyond our Exit. We want equines to continue to be able to travel to and from the EU with the minimum of disruption, whilst maintaining high biosecurity and welfare standards. The Government is negotiating our departure from the EU with this in mind and Defra is working with the Department for Exiting the European Union to consider appropriate future arrangements, including those for the movement of equines, under a number of possible scenarios. We are also putting in place contingency arrangements in the event of a no-deal outcome.

Pet Travel Scheme

Dr Matthew Offord: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, if he will introduce specific requirements to ensure the welfare of dogs and cats transported to the UK under the Pets Transport Scheme after the UK leaves the EU.

Dr Thérèse Coffey: There is a general existing requirement under the Welfare of Animals (Transport) (England) Order (2006) that protects all animals during transport. This regulation makes it an offence to cause or be likely to cause injury or unnecessary suffering during transport. Whilst we remain a member of the EU, we continue to be signed up to the requirements of the Pet Travel Scheme. After we leave we want pet owners to continue to be able to travel to and from the EU with the minimum of disruption whilst maintaining high biosecurity and welfare standards. The Government is negotiating our departure from the EU and Defra is looking at future arrangements, including those for pet travel. We are also putting in place contingency arrangements in the event of a no-deal outcome.

Horses: Databases

Dr Matthew Offord: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, whether it is his Department's policy to continue to implement and enforce equine identification after the UK leaves the EU.

Dr Thérèse Coffey: Yes.

Veterinary Medicine: Licensing

Dr Matthew Offord: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps he is taking to ensure the continuation of the agreements for the approval of veterinary medicinal products from European countries after the UK leaves the EU.

Dr Thérèse Coffey: We want to secure trade with the EU that is as frictionless as possible, and the continued effective and safe regulation of veterinary medicines. A responsible government should prepare for all potential outcomes, including the unlikely scenario in which no mutually satisfactory agreement can be reached; this is the approach the government is taking.

Pet Travel Scheme

Angela Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, with reference to the Pet Travel Scheme, when his Department last reviewed the effectiveness of the Animal and Plant Health Agency's Required Method of Operation process with Eurotunnel, P&O, DFDS and other carriers.

Dr Thérèse Coffey: Each carrier is subject to an annual liaison visit and a minimum of one additional audit visit to ensure compliance with the agreed procedures set out in the RMOP. Every 2 years the RMOP is formally reviewed and re-approved. It was last reviewed in July 2017.

Animal Experiments

Dr Matthew Offord: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, if he will assess the potential merits of bringing forward legislative proposals to prohibit the export of live animals from the UK for research procedures abroad.

Dr Thérèse Coffey: Our manifesto made it clear that we would take early steps to control specifically the export of live farm animals for slaughter, once we leave the European Union (EU). We recently launched a call for evidence on the control of live farm animal exports for slaughter but also on how we could improve animal welfare during transport for all purposes which may include animals transported for research purposes after the UK leaves the EU. The call for evidence closed on the 22 May 2018 and we are currently analysing the responses.   The Government has also asked the Farm Animal Welfare Committee (FAWC) to look at what improvements could be made to the transport regulatory regime for all animals and for all purposes. We hope to receive the recommendations from FAWC later in the year.   We will assess the potential merits of bringing forward legislative proposals relating to the export of live animals for research procedures abroad in light of responses received to the call for evidence and in light of FAWC’s report.

Fisheries: Scotland

David Duguid: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, whether his Department has met with (a) the Scottish Government and (b) representatives of the Scottish fishing industry to discuss (i) domestic skills, (ii) training and (iii) recruitment in the Scottish fishing industry.

Dr Thérèse Coffey: Officials and I have had, and will continue to have, regular discussions with the Scottish Government and the Scottish fishing industry on the full range of fisheries issues in relation to the UK leaving the EU.

Seafood: Scotland

David Duguid: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what representations his Department has made to the Scottish Government on the Seafood 2040 framework and the relevance of its recommendations for the Scottish fishing industry.

Dr Thérèse Coffey: Seafood 2040 is a strategy for England, developed by representatives of the English seafood sector. However, its development was facilitated by the UK-wide NDPB Seafish, and the industry group included an aquaculture expert from Scotland. Seafood 2040 is a public document and its findings and recommendations are available to all. A member of the Seafood 2040 group has presented the report to the EMFF Programme Monitoring Committee, which includes members from the four Fisheries Administrations and industry bodies from across the UK.

Seafood

David Duguid: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what his Department’s policy is on funding for the seafood processing sector after the conclusion of the 2014-2020 European Marine and Fisheries Fund.

Dr Thérèse Coffey: The Chancellor announced in October 2016 that all European Marine and Fisheries Fund projects approved before the UK leaves the EU will be fully funded under a Treasury guarantee, even when these projects have not been completed by the UK’s departure date. This guarantee applies across the UK. Work to consider the longer term future of all funding programmes that are currently managed by the EU is underway. Leaving the EU means we will want to take our own decisions about how to deliver the policy objectives previously supported by EU programmes.

European Maritime and Fisheries Fund

David Duguid: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what plans his Department has to spend the remaining £6.4 million from the 2014-2020 European Marine and Fisheries Fund.

Dr Thérèse Coffey: The current assumption of the UK authorities is that we expect to commit all of the UK’s £243 million allocation of European Maritime and Fisheries Fund budget, with spending continuing to support projects within the Union Priorities as laid out in the Operational Programme.

Seafood: Scotland

David Duguid: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, how much of the £4.9 million from the 2014-2020 European Marine and Fisheries Fund that his Department has spent on support for the seafood processing sector has been spent in Scotland (a) directly and (b) through the Barnett formula.

Dr Thérèse Coffey: All European Marine and Fisheries Fund funding spent in Scotland has been done so directly, and not through the Barnett formula.

Seafood: Scotland

David Duguid: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what recent representations his Department has made to the Scottish Government on support for the Scottish seafood processing sector.

Dr Thérèse Coffey: The Scottish Government is responsible for the Scottish seafood processing sector. However, as noted in our recent Fisheries White Paper, we think there are exciting opportunities for the whole seafood sector to supply consumers’ growing demand for sustainable, resource efficient and nutritious seafood.

Fisheries

David Duguid: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what his Department’s policy is on common frameworks facilitating cross-border trade and cross-border supply chains in the fishing industry between the constituent parts of the UK.

Dr Thérèse Coffey: A well functioning UK internal market brings economic and social benefits to everyone in the UK. Our policy is therefore to continue to work to preserve those benefits as the UK leaves the EU.   We are working with the devolved administrations to develop a new UK framework for fisheries management. This will respect the devolution settlements and maximise all fisheries administrations’ power to manage their fisheries, while maintaining the overall coherence of the UK’s fisheries policy, particularly to ensure compliance with international obligations, protect the UK internal market and manage our shared resources sustainably.

Seasonal Agricultural Workers' Scheme

Mr John Hayes: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, when he plans to reintroduce a seasonal agricultural  workers scheme.

Dr Thérèse Coffey: The Government understands the importance of seasonal labour in supporting a successful and effective agricultural sector, and is considering how best to support the needs of the sector both before and after the UK leaves the EU. We keep our position on seasonal labour under close review.Until the end of December 2020, employers in the agricultural and food processing sectors can recruit EU citizens to fill vacancies, and those arriving to work will be able to stay in the UK afterwards. In June 2018, the Home Office announced further details about how EU citizens and their families can obtain settled status in the UK.Defra is working closely with the Home Office as they seek to develop a new immigration framework to ensure that the UK has a controlled but flexible migration policy that considers access to seasonal agricultural labour.

Water: Consumption

Sir Mark Hendrick: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps his Department has been taking to reduce water consumption since May 2018.

Dr Thérèse Coffey: The Government is working with the water industry to agree an ambitious average target for per capita consumption and to identify and implement the most cost-effective and impactful measures needed to meet it, as set out in the 25 year environment plan.   The Government expects water companies to enhance their activities promoting water efficiency in areas affected by the dry weather, in line with their statutory drought plans. For example, through increasing capacity to fix leaks more quickly and through sharing water saving messages.

Home Office

Deportation: East Africa

Dr David Drew: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what steps his Department is taking to ensure immigration authorities adequately assess the safety risks of returning people to (a) Sudan and (b) South Sudan; and whether his Department undertakes monitoring of such people after their return to those countries.

Caroline Nokes: All protection claims, including those made by Sudanese and South Sudanese nationals, are carefully considered on their individual facts in accordance with our obligations under the UN Refugee Convention and the European Convention on Human Rights.They are assessed against relevant caselaw and available country of origin information obtained from a range of reliable sources, including reputable media outlets; local, national and international organisations, including human rights organisations; and the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.Where people establish a genuine need for protection, we will grant it. However, those who have been found not to need protection and have no right to remain are expected to leave the UK. If they do not leave voluntarily we may seek to enforce their return on a case-by-case basis, when it is safe to do so.We do not monitor the treatment of individuals once removed from the UK. They are, by definition, foreign nationals who have been found not to require international protection and it would be inappropriate for us to assume any ongoing responsibility for them when they return to Sudan or South Sudan.Further, by monitoring individuals, we potentially draw attention to them and may create a risk that otherwise wouldn’t be there.

Immigration: Personal Records

Afzal Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, when he plans to publish his Department's consultation on landing cards.

Caroline Nokes: We are grateful for the responses to the Government’s consultation on withdrawing the requirement for non-EEA nationals to present a landing card on arrival to the UK.The results of the consultation continue to be carefully considered and a formal response will be published on the Gov.uk website at: www.gov.uk/government/consultations/home-offices-immigration-statistics-arrivals-data in due course.

Undocumented Migrants

Afzal Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, whether he plans to conduct a public consultation on his Department's hostile environment policies.

Caroline Nokes: We have no plans at this time for a public consultation on the compliant environment policy.Successive Governments have brought forward policies to prevent the misuse of public services and benefits by immigration offenders. Key compliant environment measures, including right to work checks by employers to prevent illegal working and right to rent checks by landlords have been the subject of full public consultations. We conduct impact assessments to fully consider policy objectives, intended effects and the Government’s intervention reasoning. Impact assessments were published for both the 2014 and 2016 Immigration Acts. These can be accessed at: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/250069/Overarching_Impact_Assessment_final.PDFhttps://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/482041/2015-11-30_revised_overarching_IA_-_Lords.pdf

UK Border Force: London Airports

David Hanson: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, how many UK Border Force officers were employed at (a) Heathrow, (b) Gatwick, (c) Stansted and (d) Luton airports in each year since 2010.

Caroline Nokes: Border Force does not release location specific statistics on the deployment of its resources as doing so could compromise border security. For information on Border Force staffing from 2010 I refer the Hon. Member to the answer given to the Hon. Member for Westmorland and Lonsdale on 7 February 2017, UIN 60627.The latest published staffing figures for Border Force can be found in the Home Office Annual Report for 2016 – 17 on page 66 at:/ https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/home-office-annual-report-and-accounts-2016-to-2017Data for staffing levels in 2017/18 will be available when the Annual Report for 2017 – 18 is published

UK Border Force: London Airports

David Hanson: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, how many days were lost to sick leave by UK Border Force officers at (a) Heathrow, (b) Gatwick, (c) Stansted and (d) Luton airports in each year since 2010.

David Hanson: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, how many UK Border Force officers were (a) recruited, (b) dismissed and (c) retired at (i) Heathrow, (ii) Gatwick, (iii) Stansted and (iv) Luton airports in each year since 2010.

Caroline Nokes: Border Force does not release port-specific staffing numbers for national security reasons.

Immigration: Young People

Mr Virendra Sharma: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what the average length of time taken was for young migrants on limited leave to remain to achieve settled status in the most recent period for which figures are available.

Caroline Nokes: The length of time required before settled status can be achieved by young migrants on limited leave to remain will vary according to the basis on which that leave was given, and is set out in the Immigration Rules. As these are fixed periods set out in the legislation, there are no average periods as such.

Immigration: Young People

Mr Virendra Sharma: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, whether his Department is taking steps to reduce the length of time required for settled status for young migrants on limited leave to remain.

Caroline Nokes: The length of time it takes for applicants to be entitled to settlement will depend on which basis they were originally granted leave to enter or remain. This is clearly stated in the relevant policy guidance.The Secretary of State has discretion to grant leave outside of the rules and Indefinite Leave to Remain in exceptional or compelling circumstances, including cases involving the best interests of a child.Our immigration policy is regularly reviewed.

Immigrants: Health Services

Mr Virendra Sharma: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, at what rate the immigration health surcharge has been set in each year since its inception.

Caroline Nokes: The Immigration Health Surcharge was introduced on 6 April 2015 and ensures that temporary non-EEA migrants who come to the UK to work, study or join family for more than six months make a financial contribution to the NHS. The surcharge rate has remained at £200 per person per year of leave granted since 2015, with a discounted rate of £150 per person per year for students. The rate for applicants in the Youth Mobility Scheme category was reduced to £150 per year when the general surcharge exemption for Australian and New Zealand nationals was rescinded in 2016. The Government plans to double the surcharge later this year, subject to Parliamentary approval. The surcharge will rise from £200 to £400 per person per year, with the discounted rate for students and the Youth Mobility Scheme increasing from £150 to £300 per person per year.

Immigration

Mr Virendra Sharma: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, how many migrants have been refused limited leave to remain, having previously been granted it for one or more years in each of the last 10 reporting years.

Caroline Nokes: The available published statistics relate to total grants and refusals of extensions (in-country leave to remain), and are published in the quarterly Immigration Statistics, extensions tables, latest edition at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/immigration-statistics-year-ending-march-2018/list-of-tables#extensions

Asylum: Finance

Afzal Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what emergency measures his Department has put in place whose application for asylum seekers for asylum support and whose application has been affected by ATLAS IT failures to ensure that such asylum seekers are not left destitute.

Caroline Nokes: This government is committed to ensuring asylum seekers who would otherwise be destitute are supported while applications are considered. Any asylum seeker who encounters issues with their support may contact Migrant Help free of charge for assistance and immediate access to interim support can be provided where eligibility has been confirmed. We continue to work closely with our IT and commercial partners and other stakeholders to resolve the issues that have recently affected a minority of service users following the introduction of the new system, to ensure that that no service users are left destitute.

Animal Experiments

Dr Matthew Offord: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, if he will undertake a review of defined areas in regulatory animal testing that includes the use of second species and multiple routes of administering substances with the aim of identifying and eliminating avoidable tests.

Mr Ben Wallace: Second species testing is required to ensure drugs are safe for patient use. The standards for second species testing, and other types of regulatory testing, are regularly reviewed, updated and set by experts as part of our UK commitment to international regulation. The UK maintains a rigorous regulatory system which ensures that animal research and testing is carried out only where no practicable alternatives exist and under controls which keep suffering to a minimum. The Home Office ensures all research proposals are compliant with the principles of Replacement, Reduction and Refinement (the 3Rs).

Refugees: Eritrea

Richard Burden: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what assessment he has made of the reasons for the yearly variation in the number of applications granted for refugee status from refugees from Eritrea in the last five years.

Caroline Nokes: The Government takes its international responsibilities seriously and grants protection to those who qualify. In assessing claims decision makers must still consider the individual facts and merits of a particular case aswell as the objective country information.The table below is taken from published statistics and shows that the grant rate in 2015 and 2016 fell. This was due to a change to the Country Guidance advice over that time. Year Claims Decisions Grants Grant Rate2013 1387 960 787 82%2014 3233 2463 2155 87%2015 3695 3191 1531 48%2016 2230 1838 1237 67%2017 1093 1415 1145 80%The full set of published statistics can be found at www.gov.uk/government/statistics/immigration-statistics-year-ending-march-2018-data-tables

Immigrants: Health Services

Mr Virendra Sharma: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, whether he has plans to increase the immigration health surcharge.

Caroline Nokes: The Government plans to double the Immigration Health Surcharge later this year, subject to Parliamentary approval.

Drugs: Misuse

Ronnie Cowan: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what funding his Department spends from the proceeds of crime to support people affected by drug related harm.

Mr Ben Wallace: Assets recovered under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 (POCA) are distributed to operational agencies under the Asset Recovery Incentivisation Scheme (ARIS). Broadly, 50% of recovered assets are returned to operational agencies in England and Wales - including police, CPS and HM Courts Service – with the expectation that they will be reinvested in asset recovery or community projects. The Home Office share of recovered assets is a core part of its settlement under the Comprehensive Spending Review. It contributes to core expenditure programmes such as policing and the NCA.From 2011 to 2016, £307m of ARIS monies returned to operational partners was used to fund further asset recovery work, crime reduction and community projects.The Home Office is committed to publishing an annual report on asset recovery statistics, including the use of ARIS funds. The first of these was published in September 2017 and the second will be published in September 2018. This report does not include detailed information on specific projects.

Free Movement of People

Jonathan Edwards: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, how he plans to control immigration to the UK from the EU while while also protecting the uninhibited movement of people between Ireland and the UK under the Common Travel Area.

Jonathan Edwards: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what assessment he has made of the likelihood of immigrants from the EU using the uninhibited movement of people under the Common Travel Area to gain access to the UK after the UK leaves the EU.

Jonathan Edwards: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what plans he has for increased border control at Welsh ports in the event of EU migrants using the uninhibited movement of people under the Common Travel Area to gain access to the UK after the UK leaves the EU.

Caroline Nokes: The UK is firmly committed to protecting the Common Travel Area (CTA). December’s Joint Report between the UK and the European Commission confirmed the shared understanding that the CTA will be maintained as the UK leaves the EU. This means that, as now, there will be no routine immigration controls on journeys from within the CTA to the UK; with no controls whatsoever at the Ireland-Northern Ireland land border. However, individuals will still always need to meet the UK’s immigration requirements when entering the UK through the CTA. The UK is considering options for it’s future immigration system very carefully and will outline further details in due course. The UK’s future approach to immigration control for EU citizens will reflect CTA arrangements. The UK will continue to work very closely with other CTA members, particularly Ireland, to strengthen the external CTA border and tackle those who seek to abuse arrangements. In addition, intelligence-led operations target potential abuse of CTA routes and people identified as attempting to circumvent our controls are liable to be detained and, if unlawfully in the UK, removed.

Stop and Search

Mr John Hayes: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, how many people have been stopped and searched in the last five years; and of those people, how many have been subsequently (a) arrested and (b) convicted.

Mr Nick Hurd: The Home Office collects and publishes statistics on the number of stop and searches conducted by each police force in England and Wales and the number of resultant arrests. These data are published in the ‘Police Powers and Procedures, England and Wales’ statistical bulletin, which can be accessed here:https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/police-powers-and-procedures-england-and-walesTable SS_02 of the accompanying data tables shows the number of stop and searches, and resultant arrests for each year from 2001/02.The Home Office does not collect data on the outcomes of prosecutions following an arrest resulting from a stop and search.The next release of ‘Police Powers’ statistics is due to be published in October, for the year ending March 2018.

Cabinet Office

Government Communication Service: United Arab Emirates

Jon Trickett: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, whether those UK civil servants who participate under the terms of the memorandum of understanding on communications between the Government Communication Service and the Government of Dubai will transfer to the payroll of that Government.

Chloe Smith: UK civil servants who participate under the terms of the memorandum of understanding on government communications will not transfer to the payroll of the Government of Dubai.

Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport

Tourism

Richard Graham: To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, what assessment he has made of the effect of local festivals on the growth of local tourism.

Michael Ellis: VisitBritain research shows that in 2016, over one million of the UK’s inbound visitors come here with attending a festival in mind, spending nearly £1.2bn during their visit. In addition, the Arts Council has carried out research into the benefits of local events on the community and economy. For example, the SO Festival in East Lindsey is estimated to have increased footfall from 30,000 to 83,000. The Grinagog Festival in Torquay submitted a report for their 2018 festival estimating that there was £150,000 direct economic impact based on 2,400 paying customers.